Maintaining the Air Quality in Your Home

Maintaining indoor air quality is an extremely important, but often overlooked, component of living happily in your home. It’s an invisible problem, but the costs can really add up— from high energy bills to unpleasant health issues.

Here are tips to improve the indoor air quality of your home:

• Venting: Many homes have become so energy efficient that they’re also good at trapping dust and other pollutants. Appropriate ventilation is an important aspect of indoor air quality.  Getting airflow through your house will remove stagnant air, this can be as simple as opening a window. Rooms to beware of include: venting bathrooms, kitchens, and venting fireplaces directly outside.
• Alarms: Alarms are also a useful way to keep an eye on what you’re breathing. Smoke alarms are a must for home safety, but carbon monoxide alarms are also key to keeping a silent killer at bay. Finally, periodic radon testing is a good idea. Radon, which a radioactive gas, is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It is a known contributor to lung cancer. The only way you can only know how much is in your home is by preforming a test.
• Replacing Air Filters: Of course, one of the most neglected home maintenance chores is regular replacement of air filters. This is an easy fix, changing the filters is typically among the easiest tasks a homeowner can do. The simple act of replacing filters increases HVAC efficiency, extends the life of your heating and cooling system, and also lowers energy bills.
• Air Purifier: If you are susceptible to allergies from dust or even your family pet, an air purifier will help. A dehumidifier should also be considered in damp areas, such as a basement. This will prevent mold growth.
• Keeping your Flooring Clean: Cleaning your flooring may seem simple, however, it will greatly improve your air quality. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, vacuum both carpets and area rugs once or twice a week. This will eliminate allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites. Keep the dust out by putting large floor mats at every door.  This will reduce the pesticides, pollutants, and dirt that gets tracked into your home.
• Clean Bedding: Bedding, drapes, couches, etc., will attract dust and allergens. Regular cleanings will increase your air quality.

It’s also vital to try and store industrial chemicals such as pesticides, paints, and harsh cleaners outside of the habitable areas of the home.

If you’d like to breathe a little easier in your home, follow up with these minor home maintenance tasks and inexpensive tools. High air quality is also an excellent selling quality for you home!

If you’re thinking about listing soon, get in touch with me today: 928-277-6404.